Vikings Trade Rumors

"Earlier in the offseason, the Vikings signed safety Madieu Williams to a six-year, $33.75 million contract. And Tuesday they worked out a deal with Kansas City to add Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen. Both moves please Sharper, scheduled to become a free agent after the 2008 season. "My heart is to stay here because we have a great team in place to make a run for three or four years," he said. "

"The Vikings' quest to acquire Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen remained on hold Monday as Kansas City continued to explore its options regarding the NFL's 2007 sacks leader."

"The need is obvious and so is the solution. With defensive end at the top of their list, the Vikings can fill their biggest hole this week by finalizing a trade for the Kansas City Chiefs' Jared Allen. "

"The Vikings -- who treat draft picks like gold -- appear willing to surrender first- and third-round selections to Kansas City in this weekend's draft so they can earn the privilege of making Jared Allen one of the NFL's richest players."

"Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen returned home to the West Coast on Sunday, but the Vikings remained cautiously optimistic he will be wearing purple before next weekend's NFL draft."

"Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen and his agent left the Twin Cities on Sunday after a two-day visit, but that doesn't mean the Vikings have given up on a trade."

"Defensive end Jared Allen left Minnesota on Sunday without agreeing on a contract with the Vikings. The Chiefs and Vikings also had not agreed to terms of a trade that would send the discontented Allen to Minnesota in return for draft picks."

"Jared Allen is expected to leave the Twin Cities still property of the Kansas City Chiefs, but that doesn't mean the Vikings' hopes of landing the Pro Bowl defensive end are finished."

"Defensive end Jared Allen and his agent spent a second day at Winter Park on Saturday, talking contract with the Vikings while they talked trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, but no deal was announced."

"Looking ahead to next weekend's draft, that leaves defensive end and offensive tackle, in that order, as the top two priorities. Unless they can finalize a trade for Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, that is."

"It appears the Vikings could end up with premier pass rusher Jared Allen of the Kansas City Chiefs, which is their preferred solution to their defensive end quandary."

"The Vikings have already agreed to $81 million in contracts in signing free agents this offseason, including $30 million guaranteed. But owner Zygi Wilf has given the go-ahead to spend the money to sign Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen, who as the Chiefs' franchise player is guaranteed $8.8 million for this season."

"Trading Jared Allen might be the smart thing to do. Once Clark Hunt decided to retain Carl Peterson, the chance for the Chiefs to retain a happy, productive Jared Allen nearly evaporated. At least for one more year, we’re stuck with The Artist Formerly Known as King Carl, so we might as well contemplate the idea of unloading Kansas City’s best football player for draft picks and whatever else the Vikings, Buccaneers or Team X is willing to give up."

"The Vikings had Jared Allen right where they wanted him Friday. The Pro Bowl defensive end spent much of his day receiving first-class treatment and visiting with team officials at Winter Park. But owner Zygi Wilf attempted to downplay talk the Vikings were on the verge of working out a trade with Kansas City or a multiyear contract for Allen with agent, Ken Harris, who also was in town."

"The Vikings made their opening pitch Friday to Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, but he isn't being fitted for a purple jersey just yet. "It's ongoing," Vikings coach Brad Childress said of the situation. "

"A day after Jared Allen hit the trading block, the Chiefs played defense. President/general manager Carl Peterson and coach Herm Edwards dodged questions Friday about a possible trade that could end Allen’s time in Kansas City. Both men said no move is imminent and, as of Friday afternoon, Allen’s status had not changed."

"The Vikings might not have to wait until draft day to find a pass rusher. Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen is scheduled to visit Winter Park today and hopes to be traded before the April 26-27 NFL draft. Whether the Pro Bowler gets his wish, and how soon, remains to be seen. As an unsigned franchise player, Allen, who is tentatively scheduled to visit Tampa Bay next week, has the right to meet and talk to teams, but the Chiefs have offered no assurances that they would trade him. "

"The predraft rumor mill was really cranking Thursday, and the Bucs were in the middle of what was being cranked out. Along with the Minnesota Vikings, the Bucs are one of two teams who appear to still have interest in possibly trading for disgruntled and sometimes troubled Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen."

"The Bucs might be considering trading at least their first-round pick in next weekend's draft — and possibly a player — to the Chiefs for 2007 sack leader Jared Allen. Kansas City's franchise player said Thursday that he thinks a deal with the Bucs or Vikings could get done before the April 26 draft. "

"Jared Allen could soon be getting his wish. The Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have expressed an interest in acquiring the disgruntled Chiefs’ Pro Bowl defensive end, a source said. Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season, has wanted out of Kansas City since negotiations for a long-term contract broke down last year. Allen could be in Minnesota visiting with the Vikings as soon as Friday, the source said. A visit to Tampa could follow."

"Free-agent quarterback Gus Frerotte expects to take part in Vikings offseason workouts Tuesday if everything works out. "Yeah, I agreed with my agent, but nothing with the Vikings," Frerotte said. "

"It's inexplicable why the Vikings haven't offered to extend the contract of six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, who is entering the final season of an eight-year deal. No player in the NFL has played eight seasons on one contract without having it restructured or extended at least a couple of years before it expires."

"Negotiations between the Vikings and free agent quarterback Gus Frerotte should be completed in time for Frerotte to join the offseason conditioning program Monday. The Vikings have been in contract discussions with Frerotte, but no deal had been announced by Thursday. He became their target as the backup to Tarvaris Jackson after growing convinced that Houston would not trade backup Sage Rosenfels."

"Matt Birk's long-term future with the Vikings won't be decided anytime soon, coach Brad Childress said Wednesday in speaking for the first time about Birk's decision to skip voluntary offseason workouts. Interviewed over breakfast on the final day of the NFL's annual meetings, Childress questioned whether Birk's absence was right for the team. He said Birk will make "good money" in 2008, the final year of a contract he signed in September 2001 -- and said he wants to evaluate Birk's performance in training camp and perhaps beyond before determining whether to offer a contract extension."

"The Vikings won't be engaging Pro Bowl center Matt Birk in talks on a long-term extension any time soon, coach Brad Childress said Wednesday. Asked if he wants Birk back when his contract expires after the 2008 season, Childress said, "We'll (address) that after 2008. "That's the mode he's in," Childress said from the NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach, Fla. "He's in the longest-running contract currently in the National Football League. I think he's making good money right now, as he would tell you. We'll see if he comes back." "

"With the Houston Texans apparently intent on keeping QB Sage Rosenfels, indications are strong today that the Vikings are nearing an agreement with free agent QB Gus Frerotte."

"If Minnesota signs veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte to back up Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels will not be traded to the Vikings."

"The Texans came to South Florida reading and hearing about the Vikings' possible renewed interest in quarterback Sage Rosenfels, but one day into the NFL spring meetings, the two sides had not spoken. The Texans did re-sign safety C.C. Brown, a third-year restricted free agent, and offensive tackle Brandon Frye, a second-year exclusive rights player, to one-year deals."

"The Vikings' top choice is clear: Rosenfels. In fact, they made him one of their top offseason priorities and considered his acquisition no less important than that of receiver Bernard Berrian or safety Madieu Williams... Buffalo's J.P. Losman is another veteran who might be available via trade, but Rosenfels is widely known as a strong character player (he's an Iowan, after all) and a perfect fit for the West Coast offense."

"Will 2008 be Matt Birk's final season in a Vikings uniform? Evidence continued to mount Monday, as the center acknowledged he is skipping the voluntary portion of the team's offseason program."

"Center Matt Birk is skipping the Vikings' voluntary offseason conditioning program, but his agent said it has nothing to do with a contract dispute."

"As Vikings officials spent Tuesday watching Matt Ryan work out at Boston College's Pro Day, the team was making plans to talk to a veteran quarterback today. Gus Frerotte, who spent the past two seasons with St. Louis, is scheduled to be at Winter Park after visiting the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday. "

"Vikings coach Brad Childress said Tuesday he faces a potentially "difficult" decision on the future of left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who pleaded not guilty this week to charges stemming from a Feb. 24 brawl in downtown Miami."

"Vikings coach Brad Childress said left tackle Bryant McKinnie is "entitled to his due process" as he faces charges stemming from his involvement in a brawl outside of a Miami nightclub in February. But Childress also made an ominous comment when asked if McKinnie is still considered a "core guy" on the team. "

"Another possibility to add more depth is veteran Darrion Scott, an unrestricted free agent who has yet to sign with another team. Scott is recovering from a broken foot but would be healthy in time for training camp."

"It still looks as if the Vikings' best bet for a backup quarterback is Buffalo's J.P. Losman, who is signed for $1.9 million this season and probably could be obtained for a fourth-round draft pick."

"After a third defensive end signed with another club before visiting the Twin Cities, could the Vikings reignite talks with a familiar face? "We're not closing that possibility at all," said Darrion Scott's agent, Tim DiPiero. "

"Zygi Wilf says he is not through signing free agents if the right player is available and is one who could help make his Vikings a winner."

"One of those deals could involve free-agent Seattle defensive tackle/end Ellis Wyms, who visited Winter Park on Friday after spending Thursday in Tennessee. The Vikings also have been talking to Detroit defensive end Corey Smith about a visit, although no date has been set. Smith already has visited Green Bay and Houston."

"As more free-agent defensive ends signed elsewhere, the Vikings were at least contemplating a run at Jevon Kearse, the once-dominant pass rusher who was released by Philadelphia last month."

"The Vikings were left hanging by a coveted defensive end for the second time in three days. Two days ago, the San Francisco 49ers signed Justin Smith to a six-year contract just before the defensive end was scheduled to fly to Minnesota to visit with the Vikings. Monday, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Antwan Odom to a five-year contract minutes before he was supposed to board a plane for Minnesota... But the free-agent defensive ends still available are unproven and past-their-prime players, including Jevon Kearse and Mike Rucker."

"Another name mentioned in connection has been Tennessee free agent Antwan Odom. But Odom, who was scheduled to be in Cincinnati on Sunday and Arizona later in the week, does not have a visit to Winter Park scheduled."

"The last remaining plum is Antwan Odom, who tallied eight sacks last season opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch for Tennessee. The Vikings are expected to enter the bidding for his services. Odom is scheduled to be in Cincinnati today and head to Arizona tonight, so the Vikings have a lot of ground to make up if they are going to sign him. "

"The Cleveland Browns have quarterback Derek Anderson signed to start but have no picks in the first three rounds of April's NFL draft. That has to make Browns backup QB Brady Quinn, above, an intriguing possibility for the Vikings, who might be able to get Quinn by trading their first-round pick (No. 17 overall)."

"Those figures pale in comparison to the numbers the Vikings were preparing for receiver Bernard Berrian, who arrived Friday in the Twin Cities, and defensive end Justin Smith - whom the Vikings hoped to lure for a visit today... Those decisions left the Vikings facing more trade talks with Houston - or possibly Buffalo for J.P. Losman."

"Aggressive from the outset, the Vikings signed and introduced Johnson High graduate Thomas Tapeh at a news conference Friday afternoon and agreed to a six-year, $33 million contract with safety Madieu Williams. They certainly will introduce Williams today, but the Vikings hope he won't be alone: the club was trying to ensure wide receiver Bernard Berrian didn't leave the Twin Cities without a deal, and they were anxiously awaiting defensive end Justin Smith's arrival today from San Francisco, where he visited with the 49ers on Friday. "

"For all the talk about the Bears low-balling their free agents, 24 hours into free agency it looked like they were right on the money. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian visited Minnesota on Friday but has yet to sign a contract, an indication the Vikings were not outbidding the Bears. Berrian is scheduled to travel to Oakland today."

"The Texans must hold onto QB Sage Rosenfels even though Minnesota's offer of a third-round pick is fair value. Problem is, there's still too much uncertainty about Matt Schaub's ability to stay healthy."

"The Vikings are scheduled to host receiver Bernard Berrian today and were working on arrangements for defensive end Justin Smith and safety Madieu Williams. Meanwhile, another free agent might not have to travel as far; fullback Thomas Tapeh, who attended Johnson High School in St. Paul and played football at the University of Minnesota, still has family in the Twin Cities."

"The Vikings opened the 2008 free-agent market Thursday night by sending owner Zygi Wilf's private plane to northern California, where they hoped to collect free-agent receiver Bernard Berrian. If all goes according to plan, Berrian will visit Winter Park today and could sign a bombshell contract by tonight... The Vikings also were attempting to arrange visits with Cincinnati safety Madieu Williams and Philadelphia fullback Thomas Tapeh. In addition, they were working on multiple fronts to add a backup quarterback, discussing trades for Houston's Sage Rosenfels and Buffalo's J.P. Losman and also expressing interest in free agent Josh McCown."

"The Vikings are expected to make a strong push to host Chicago Bears receiver Bernard Berrian and Cincinnati Bengals safety Madieu Williams, as well a defensive end, perhaps Bobby McCray of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Vikings also reportedly offered a third-round pick for Houston backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, but the Texans were not interested."

"Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf sent his personal jet to California to retrieve Berrian, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The sides will meet today at the club's facility and potentially work on a huge contract... A source linked Briggs, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, to Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Cleveland, with Denver called a ''dark horse.''"

"With the Vikings $35.6 million under the salary cap and desperate for a big-time receiver, there would be no excuse not to try to get involved in talks. Fitzgerald, who is among the NFL's top half-dozen receivers, probably would cost Minnesota first-, second- and third-round draft picks spread over two years but easily would be worth it."

"The Vikings' 8-8 record and their failure to make the playoffs last year didn't satisfy the owners of the club, the Wilf family. And being $30 million below the NFL salary cap, the Wilfs gave General Manager Rick Spielman, coach Brad Childress and Co. permission to sign some key free agents. "

"Free agency started at midnight, and at least two Bengals defensive starters - end Justin Smith and safety Madieu Williams - are expected to be two of the most in-demand players on the market. Minnesota has the inside track on trying to lure Williams. Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier held the same job in Cincinnati when the Bengals drafted Williams in the second round in 2004."

"Former University of Houston offensive lineman Rex Hadnot will visit Reliant Stadium today, as well as Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves... The Texans also must deal with inquiries from the Minnesota Vikings about backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels. "

"The league's rumor mill is abuzz with indications that the Vikings will pursue Chicago Bears receiver Bernard Berrian and Cincinnati safety Madieu Williams, among others. Bengals defensive end Justin Smith -- who, like Williams, played for current Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier in Cincinnati -- is another possible target."

"With the expected trade of Troy Williamson to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Vikings might put a full-court press on Chicago Bears receiver Bernard Berrian. With arguably the best one-two running back duo in the NFL, the Vikings are looking for a receiver who can"

"It's unknown how much room the Bears have to improve that offer for Berrian, who is expected to be courted by the Minnesota Vikings. It's also unclear whether Berrian and agent Drew Rosenhaus will be able to get another team -- the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers also are thought to be interested -- to meet his asking price, which probably would require a signing bonus of more than $12 million."

"The Vikings reached the final stages of negotiations Monday night to send receiver Troy Williamson to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick in the 2008 draft, according to two sources with knowledge of the trade... The Vikings are expected to make the receiver position one of their primary targets in the free-agent period. Chicago's Bernard Berrian could be their top choice."

"Minnesota has agreed in principle on a deal that would send wide receiver Troy Williamson to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a second-day pick, believed to be a sixth-round pick, according to a person with knowledge of the situation."

"More conversations with agents for Bengals free agents Madieu Williams and Landon Johnson have produced no deals... If Williams were to hit the market, the Minnesota Vikings might make a strong bid to sign him."

"The agent for Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson said Sunday that trade talks involving his client have "heated up" with three teams. David Canter met late Sunday night with Vikings Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman at the NFL Scouting Combine to "discuss the offers and each situation.""

"With only one safety projected to go in the first round of this year's draft, Kenny Phillips of Miami (Fla.), the Vikings figure to fill that hole in free agency. That also appears their most likely course at wide receiver, and Chicago's Bernard Berrian is expected to get plenty of attention. "

"Vikings coach Brad Childress said Saturday a trade involving Troy Williamson was not imminent, but things could heat up again today when the wide receiver's agent returns to the NFL Scouting Combine after attending a client's wedding in another state Saturday."

"The Vikings continue to shop former No. 1 draft choice Troy Williamson, but that doesn't mean they're in a hurry to trade him. Coach Brad Childress said Saturday that there has been "nothing substantive" and that no deal is pending. "

"The Vikings' need for a top-flight receiver would make Holy Angels graduate Larry Fitzgerald Jr. a seemingly very attractive option considering his contract issues with the Arizona Cardinals. Only one problem: Arizona isn't planning to move the two-time Pro Bowl selection."

"Word out of Minnesota is Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, who had the same job with the Bengals in 2003 and 2004, would like to bring safety Madieu Williams to the Vikings."